Skip to main content
Tags: un | diplomacy | budget | united states

US Hails UN Budget Cuts as 'Step in Right Direction'

US Hails UN Budget Cuts as 'Step in Right Direction'
U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley (AP)

Sunday, 24 December 2017 10:01 PM EST

The United States on Sunday applauded a $285-million-cut in the U.N. core budget, saying it was "a big step in right direction."

The General Assembly adopted a budget of $5.396 billion for 2018-2019, slightly below the $5.4 billion that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had sought.

The United States is by far the largest contributor to the UN budget, providing for 22 percent of the core budget.

U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement that "inefficiency and overspending" at the world body were "well known."

Haley said the budget negotiations had generated several "successes" with financial cutbacks and a reduction of the U.N.'s "bloated management and support functions."

"We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked," she said.

"This historic reduction in spending -- in addition to many other moves toward a more efficient and accountable U.N. -- is a big step in the right direction."

"While we are pleased with the results of this year's budget negotiations, you can be sure we'll continue to look at ways to increase the U.N.'s efficiency while protecting our interests," she added.

The U.N.'s operating budget is separate from its peacekeeping budget, which was cut by $600 million this year under pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump.

The push for deeper cuts comes as Guterres is trying to build support for his plans for reform of the U.N. bureaucracy.

Guterres' budget proposal was $200 million below the 2016-2017 biennial budget.

During a meeting held on the sidelines of the annual General Assembly debate in September, Trump said the United Nations had failed to reach its "full potential due to bureaucracy and mismanagement."

"We are not seeing the results in line with this investment," he said.

Last week, Trump threatened to cut funding to countries that supported a UN resolution rejecting his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

© AFP 2025


Politics
"We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked," U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said.
un, diplomacy, budget, united states
317
2017-01-24
Sunday, 24 December 2017 10:01 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
TOP

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved